Network Pharmacology Approach to Uncover the Mechanism Governing the Effect of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae on Osteoarthritis

Laigen Zhang,Laigen Zhang,Li Zhang,Li Zhang,Peimin Wang,Peimin Wang,Xiaoqing Shi,Jun Mao,Jun Mao,Zhengquan Huang,Zhengquan Huang,Runlin Xing,Runlin Xing,Liang Ding,Liang Ding,Wei Mei,Wei Mei

doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02909-4

Abstract

BackgroundThis study used a network pharmacology approach to elucidate the molecular mechanism governing the effect of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (RAB) on osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsBased on oral bioavailability and drug-likeness, the main active components of RAB were screened via the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology platform. The GeneCard, OMIM, PharmGkb, Therapeutic Targets database, and DrugBank database were used to establish a database of osteoarthritis targets. The interactive active network map of “ingredient-target” was constructed with Cytoscape software (Version 3.7.1). The protein-protein interaction network was constructed with the STRING database, and the related protein interaction relationship was analysed. GO biological function analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis for core targets were performed. Finally, docking of the active components with the core target was carried out.ResultsSixteen active components of RAB were obtained, and 63 potential targets for OA were identified. Network analysis results indicate that these targets are primarily involved in regulating biological processes, such as cell metabolism, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. Pathways involved in the treatment of osteoarthritis include virus-related signalling pathways, apoptosis signalling pathways, IL-17 signalling pathways, and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways.ConclusionRAB has the characteristics of being multi-system, multi-component and multi-target. Possible mechanisms of action for RAB include regulating the immune and inflammatory responses, reducing chondrocyte apoptosis, and protecting the joint synovial membrane and cartilage to control disease development. The active ingredients in RAB, such as sterols and flavonoids, exhibit strong potential as candidate drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Highlights

This study used a network pharmacology approach to elucidate the molecular mechanism governing the effect of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (RAB) on osteoarthritis (OA)
Based on the network pharmacology approach, this study focuses on the mechanism governing the effect of RAB on OA at the molecular level, attempts to elucidate the specific targets and molecular signalling pathways of RAB acting on OA, and devises new strategies for drug development and clinical applications
Construction of the effective active ingredient pool and disease target set The targets in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database were searched, and a total of 513 targets for the RAB were included

Summary

Introduction

This study used a network pharmacology approach to elucidate the molecular mechanism governing the effect of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (RAB) on osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic disease with a significant impact on human health. With the ageing of the general population, the incidence of OA has been increasing annually [1]. In 2014, 13% of the elderly were diagnosed with OA according to population-based healthcare data from England and Sweden [2]. In medical findings concerning people over 55, approximately 25% of the population reports at least one knee pain attack every year, which is likely to reflect the potential of OA [3]. Pain and dysfunction significantly reduce patients’ quality of life and cause serious social and economic burdens. In the statistics regarding years living with disability, OA ranks first among non-infectious diseases [4]

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